PRESS RELEASE:
The Disaster Relief Operations Center has deployed equipment to expedite water drainage in Saraphi district, Chiang Mai, and Lamphun to address recent flooding. The situation is expected to stabilize within a week, while water levels in Chiang Mai’s urban center have already shown signs of improvement. Authorities are also preparing for high tides in the Chao Phraya River Basin, expected between October 13 and 24.
Jirayu Huangsub, the prime minister’s advisor and spokesperson for the center, reported that water levels in the Ping River at the P.1 Station near Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai’s capital district, have dropped to 3.22 meters, which is 48 centimeters below the riverbank. Floodwaters in downtown and business areas have largely receded, with only minor pockets remaining in low-lying zones. In Saraphi district, water levels range from 10 to 30 centimeters, with deeper areas reaching 1 meter. In Lamphun’s capital district, water levels range between 15 and 30 centimeters, with some sections as deep as 60 centimeters. Pumps have been deployed, and the situation is expected to normalize within seven days.
The focus is now shifting to the Chao Phraya River Basin, where high tides are forecasted to raise water levels in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani. The Royal Irrigation Department is closely monitoring upstream water levels at the Chao Phraya Dam, which are currently trending downward. If no further rains occur, the discharge rate will be maintained at 2,200 cubic meters per second to minimize flooding risks for downstream areas.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
